help me

[sugabear08]

i am having problems getting my male akita to stop peeing on his front legs. i also have a female boxer who obviously doesnt have to raise her leg to go, and i think my akita who is only 7months old, and the boxer is 10months, has picked up on this habbit and doesnt feel he needs to do so. i have been taking him to the dog parks around here and he has just recently started lifting his leg when he goes into a patch of bushes but other than that he still goes on his front legs. is there someone here who can help me?

[badger]

This doesn't sound like something you need to worry about. I think gawky puppies adopt whatever stance allows them to stay on their feet, it's not something you can interfere with! Since he is already cocking his leg, looks like better days are ahead.
If he squatted but didn't pee on his own legs, would you be OK with that?

[sugabear08]

i wouldnt mind if that was the case but its not and im thinking if he doesnt change this routine soon it might start to have an adverse effect to his skin underneath the coat. im hoping by taking him to the dog parks it will, through contact with other male dogs, help him to learn that it is ok to lift his leg to go, but if there are other suggestions or training tips i could take into consideration, i would greatly appreciate it.

[badger]

Do you wash his legs regularly? It would be a good idea, urine is naturally acidic so over a long period it might dry out his skin. Just use plain water or if soap, something mild.
Maybe one of the other dog people can give you some tips, I just think it is something he'll naturally grow out of.

[babymomma]

Sorry for threadjacking, But how do males learn to do this anyway?? I just dont understand?~!

[Rottielover]

Some males never lift their legs, not something you can force.
Harley was 7 1/2 months old before he ever did. And I know of a 8 yr old dog that still never does.

[Chaser]

I have heard most (but not all) males will start lifting their legs between 7-10 months. Chase started at 7 months and like your Akita, began only doing it when a bush was near. When they're more sure of their own stability, they will start lifting their leg more often (but don't be surprised if he falls over a few times!). Don't worry, your pup will get himself figured out in a few months. Chase still won't lift his leg if he can't find a bush, but he adopted a lower stance so he avoids peeing on himself now.

[Laylapet]

You can also get some wipes at the pet store so that you can wipe it off right away when it happens.

[Purpledomino]

My seven month old Miniature Pinscher does this as well. He is always on a leash outside, so when I see that he is peeing on his front leg...I just give him a little nudge and he moves the offending leg out of the way. It's just the awkward stage that they are going through, and once their balance improves they will have better aim.

[AmericanBullMom]

Patrón is 11 months old and STILL does not life his leg to pee, But its ok with me since I dont have to worry about him peeing on the neighbors leg like my moms Lab did once!!
I'm sure its something that he will grow out of in time! Just be patient!